39 Carden Street - Guelph

I had a mixed experience with breakfast at this restaurant. Despite ordering the gluten-free bun for my eggs Benedict and a salad instead of potatoes, there was definitely some cross-contamination happening.

The restaurant has delicious food and well-informed servers. Although the portion sizes were slightly small for the price, we still left feeling satisfied and pleased with the food and service. The brunch hash is particularly tasty!!

The restaurant is across the street from the ice arena. It is small and easy to miss. To see the menu, you will have to take a picture of the chalkboard on your way in. They don't have paper menus. I tried a few small plates including mushroom brioche, beef tartare, and the apple pie. They have a revolving menu. The mushroom was too cheesy for me, but the beef tartare was AMAZING! I love the different tastes (includes horseradish) and textures. The dessert had a whip that had cinnamon, soooo tasty! It's low lit and a little pricey, but overall delicious!

I really wanted to love this I think I just ordered the wrong thing. My drinks were great, service was great, overall atmosphere good. Our table was kinda close to our neighbours but was loud enough that it wasn't like we were in each others conversations. My app of deep fried okra was good, a bit oily. My main though was just SO much rice. They had run out of my first choice and their menu each night is small so not a ton of choice. Would give it another chance.

A favourite, for brunch, late lunch, or dinner. Yes, the menu is on a chalkboard. Easiest to snap a picture as you arrive and then pass the photo around. The food changes regularly, with some variations on themes staying constant (ie there is usually a burger, but it changes . And that food? On point. Always. Really good, really fresh, and really nicely prepared. Prices vary widely according to the dish, ie from $14 to $38 on some nights, so you can count on being able to meet several people's price points if that is a concern! Small plates are great for appetizers or composing a tapas type meal. There are usually about three desserts, and they are always amazing including, notably, the London Fog and Chocolate Marquis. Feature cocktails are generally quite good and priced decently. You can also order from the beer chalkboard or wine chalkboard (never understood why all three aren't grouped together! . Wine list isn't huge, and doesn't change much, but they do bring in features. We always find service to be friendly, attentive and competent. They work to accommodate special needs and can explain any dish on offer. Always pleasant to interact with the hostess, servers, bartender, et al. Seating indoors is flexible, working for groups or couples. There is a patio when weather allows, too. It seems that they've recently updated their windows to allow better ventilation, which is good, as the AC (which is there, despite a past reviewer's statement to the contrary has a hard time keeping up on the hottest days/nights. Ambiance is a little bit French Bistro, a little bit eclectic... but always comforting. Booking in advance is recommended for Friday/Saturday dinners, and brunch. But you also may luck out with a walk in. Highly recommend!